ICYMI: As America Turns 250, Dexter Announces Effort to Capture and Preserve Oregon Veterans' Stories

GRESHAM, OR - Last week, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) announced her office will participate in the Veterans History Project, an initiative created in 2000 by the Library of Congress to collect and preserve the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Through recorded interviews and donated materials such as photographs, letters, and journals, the project creates a lasting historical record of veterans' sacrifices in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress.

"As we reflect on 250 years of American history, the story of this nation is a story of the people, including the men and women who fought for its freedom," said Dexter. "It is a profound privilege to help capture and preserve these stories and make them accessible for generations to come."

Dexter launched the project at an event on June 22 with veterans and the Oregon Historical Society at Gresham's VFW Post 180.

Veterans in attendance shared extraordinary stories of service. One Korean War veteran recalled saving a child during an evacuation of a village after his entire family was killed. Decades later, the son of the child wrote the veteran thanking him for his courage and kindness, and the lives he created. Another veteran recalled being pinned down by enemy fire during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive with dwindling supplies. Footage of the event can be found here.

If you are an Oregon veteran or Gold Star family member and are ready to share your story, please contact Congresswoman Dexter's office or visit her website to get started.

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